| In your opinion, what's the most common mistake novice gardeners make? |
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Sandra Bredemeir, manager, perennial department, Woldhuis Farms/Sunrise Greenhouses, Grant Park, Ill. |
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Mike Davison, greenhouse manager, Platt Hill Nursery, Bloomingdale/ Carpentersville, Ill. |
| “Often beginning gardeners are too afraid that they will make a mistake and they end up making gardening a chore rather than a joy. Plants are very forgiving and can generally be moved to another area if they are not happy where you have planted them. So dig in and enjoy your mistakes!” |
“The biggest mistake new gardeners make is not planning. You need to plan your site selection, plant selection and properly prepare the soil before you begin your garden.” |
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Phyliss Williams, owner, K&W Greenery, Janesville, Wis. |
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Cristl Huhnke, manager of garden department at Pasquesi, Barrington, Ill. |
| “Honestly, the biggest mistake that first-time gardeners make is thinking they shouldn’t be making mistakes! You aren’t a ‘bad gardener’ because you have occasional plant failures—you’re learning! And gardening is a process, whatever your level of expertise.” |
“Indoor plants, people generally over-water, outdoor plants, people generally under-water. There’s not too many plants that like to be wet all the time; they breathe just like we do. Give most plants a little bit of dry time. You don’t want something soaking wet all the time.” |
